Tejidos centrales

1. Birth Certificate

You will need a birth certificate to get copies of many other documents, including your non-driver’s ID (photo ID is required for many housing programs and for getting government support when you get out (ex: food stamps and Medicaid)). Make sure to request a long form birth certificate. This version is certified and will work for all purposes.

If you were born in D.C., you or your family member can request a copy of your birth certificate from the DC Vital Records Division, by writing a letter with a check or going to in-person to the Department of Health Vital Records Division, 899 North Capitol Street, NE, 1st Floor, Washington, DC 20002. The Vital Records walk-in counter is open from 8:30 am-3:30 pm Monday-Friday. A long copy of your birth certificate costs $23 (you can pay with a check or a money order payable to “DC Treasurer”).

You (or your requester) will need to provide photo ID and the following information about you:

 Your name, your date of birth, place of birth (city, town, county), hospital where you were born, father’s name, and mother’s maiden name.

 If you’re requesting the certificate by mail, type the information in a letter and include a photocopy of your (or your requester’s) photo ID.

Alternatively, if your family member (your mother, father, or sibling) has access to the internet and is willing to pay $38.95, he or she can order your birth certificate online through VitalChek Network, Inc at https://www.vitalchek.com and the birth certificate will be mailed within a few days to a week. The person ordering the certificate will need the information about you listed above (name, DOB, etc.).

If you were born in Virginia, call (804) 662-6200 to find out how to request a birth certificate from Virginia’s Dept. of Vital Records. If you were born in Maryland, call (410) 764-3038. And if you were born anywhere in the U.S., you can also use VitalCheck.com.

2. Social Security Card

Social security cards are important because they are usually required to get social services, and are sometimes required for multi-service agencies, which can be very helpful in helping you find housing.

It can take several weeks to complete the process, so if you do not have your card, consider starting the process before you’re released. Also, if you have children, consider obtaining their social security cards because they could be required for admission to a family program, like transitional housing.

To make the process easier, you can ask for help from a counselor, staff member at the prison, or a staff member at a multi-service agency.

How to get your Social Security Card

1) If you already have a social security number (SSN)

Mail your application, birth certificate, and one other proof of identity to any Social Security Office, Attn: SSN Unit. They will return your original documents when they mail you your new card.

The following things can serve as your proof of identity:

 Driver’s License  Prison ID (if you’ve left)

 Statement from prison officials  School ID card

 Marriage or divorce record  Adoption record

 Passport  Military records (like a DD214)

 Health insurance card (not Medicare card)

You can mail the application to any of the Social Security Offices in D.C.:

 2041 MLK Jr. Avenue, SE 20020

 2100 M St., NW 20037

 1905-B 9th St., NE 20018

 7820 Eastern Avenue, NW 20012

If you have any problems or questions, you can call the 24-hour Social Security toll-free number at (800) 772-1213.

2) If you do not have a Social Security Number (ex: if you were born before social security numbers were given to children at or soon after birth)

You will have to apply for a social security number and card in person once you get released. You can apply at any of the offices listed above. All of the offices are open from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday.

Keep in mind that the offices operate on a first come, first serve basis. It can take several hours to process everything, so plan on arriving as early in the day as you can.

3. Non-Driver’s ID

Having photo identification is essential. Photo ID is often required to access housing and other programs, including shelters, transitional housing and multi-service agencies.

You can get a FREE non-driver’s ID in D.C. if you request one within six months of your release from federal, state or private detention facilities.

To get a non-driver’s ID:

1) Ask your Community Supervision Officer (CSO) for a letter to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

2) Take the letter to DMV between 8:15am to 4:45pm for your free non-driver’s ID card. DMV locations for Driver’s and Non-Driver’s Identification are:

 95 M Street, SW 20003

 Penn Branch, 3220 Pennsylvania Ave, SE 20020

 Georgetown Park Mall, 3222 M Street, SW 20007

If you want to obtain a driver’s license, the process is more complicated than getting the free identification card (and is not free). You will need to fill out an application, provide several documents, and pass an eye and driving test. Visit any of the locations above or visit the DMV website at http://dmv.washingtondc.gov/serv/dlicense/get_DL.shtm for information and instructions.

4. Police Clearance

Many housing programs and some jobs require that you have police clearance. You can get a police clearance at:

Metropolitan Department Police Headquarters (202) 727-4245, 300 Indiana Avenue, NW (3^rd floor)

Directions: across the street from Judiciary Square metro (Red Line)

When you arrive, go to the third floor to the Arrest and Criminal History Section (Room 3055). You will need to complete a PD Form 70 (Criminal History Request). A police clearance costs $7 (cash or money orders only). You will need to bring a government issued photo ID, a birth certificate and a social security card. Requests will take approximately 24 hours to be processed.